# XXXV explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by Fyodor Sologub.

## What happens

In a moonlit glade, a slender girl persuades Mikhail Lvovich to lead a group of children in singing the revolutionary hymn 'The Internationale.' The children sing with fervent passion, their voices rising toward the sky, creating a sacred, almost religious atmosphere as they repeat the words of the anthem.

## Themes in this chapter

### Freedom and Confinement

The children's song expresses a passionate yearning for freedom and revolt against oppression.

### Innocence and Corruption

The innocent children are drawn into the revolutionary cause, their pure voices mingling with the political hymn.

## Character check-ins

### Mikhail Lvovich

Leads the children in singing the revolutionary hymn, his demeanor severe and solemn.

### Mairure

The slender girl who initiates the singing, speaking with passionate entreaty.

## Key lines

> Let’s all sing the chorus! Mikhail Lvovich will teach us. You will teach us, Mikhail Lvovich, won’t you?

The girl eagerly proposes that everyone sing together, asking Mikhail Lvovich to lead them.

_Demonstrates the girl's enthusiasm and the group's collective spirit._

> Arise, ye branded with a curse!

Mikhail Lvovich begins the revolutionary hymn, calling on the oppressed to rise up.

_The opening line of 'The Internationale,' symbolizing rebellion._

> In the International As brothers all men shall meet.

The children sing of a future where all people unite as brothers under the International.

_Highlights the utopian vision of the socialist movement._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_20_se/chapters/xxxv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_20_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_20_se/chapters